Scope and Contents:
Robert C. Underwood graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1939. He practiced law in Normal, Ill., for several years before serving as city attorney and assistant state's attorney of McLean County. In 1946, Underwood was elected as a McLean County Judge, serving until 1962 when he was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court. Underwood remained on the bench until his retirement in 1984.
This collection documents Underwood's life and service, including personal and office correspondence (1950-1984), class notebooks and correspondence from law school, and records of organizations and committees he was involved in. The collection also contains Underwood's records from his time on the Illinois Supreme Court, including case files, opinions, and appeals records.
Underwood donated the collection to the Survey in 1984 and 1988.